I was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 407

The American morning news that Kang Woo-jin was watching felt a bit more casual compared to Korean news. The anchors often threw in witty jokes while delivering the news.

And now.

-[“There’s a movie that’s been a hot topic because ‘World Disney Pictures’ is making a live-action film, right? It’s ‘Beauty and the Beast.’ The original work is so popular worldwide that there was a lot of buzz when the candidate actors were announced. The actor for the Beast role in ‘Beauty and the Beast’ was confirmed yesterday.”]

Two anchors, a man and a woman, and an expert guest were covering cultural issues among various news items. It was ‘Beauty and the Beast,’ which had been a hot topic all night.

-[“Among the candidate actors, actor Kang Woo-jin made a surprise announcement on ‘The Jamie Show,’ right?”]

-[“That’s right, and after that, ‘World Disney Pictures’ continuously updated their official social media, confirming that Kang Woo-jin was indeed the one.”]

Soon, the news screen showing the anchors switched to Kang Woo-jin. It was a collage of various photos, but there were many scenes from ‘The Jamie Show’ that aired yesterday. Seeing this, Woo-jin forgot about his persona and was engrossed in watching himself on the news.

“Oh, why is this so fascinating?”

It wasn’t a strange sight. His face was appearing on a famous American news program, and the news was even focusing on Kang Woo-jin. He had experienced this several times in Korea, but seeing himself on American news was still novel.

The news screen showing Woo-jin switched back to the anchors.

-[“Kang Woo-jin’s moves are really unique.”]

-[“That’s right, he’s the first Korean actor to achieve so many things. From turning Cannes upside down and winning Best Actor, to the album he did with Miley Cara, being confirmed as the male lead in ‘Pierrot: The Birth of a Villain,’ ‘Beneficial Evil’ starting at number one in the US, and now being confirmed for the ‘Beast’ role in ‘Beauty and the Beast.'”]

-[“Wow, it sounds even more absurd when you hear it directly. Moreover, Kang Woo-jin is the first to land male lead roles at both Columbia and Disney at the same time, isn’t he?”]

-[“That’s true, but the focus should be on the time frame. It hasn’t even been half a year since Kang Woo-jin went from Cannes to turning Hollywood upside down.”]

The anchors and the expert guest filled the segment with a conversational, slightly analytical tone. Of course, Kang Woo-jin’s name was mentioned countless times during that time. There had been news about Korea on American news before, but Woo-jin was the only one who had ever had such a long, exclusive segment.

-[“What could be the reason he’s receiving so much attention in Hollywood as soon as he appears?”]

Kang Woo-jin, who had been listening with his arms crossed, reacted to the question in the news.

“Yeah, what is it? Let’s hear an answer.”

The foreign expert on TV, with a lot of hair around his chin and mouth, answered immediately.

-[“He showed unprecedented speed even in Korea. Would you believe it if I told you Kang Woo-jin is only in his third year since debut?”]

-[“Three years? Really?”]

-[“Yes. But despite his short career, Kang Woo-jin is mysterious and eccentric. His character is interesting. According to an acquaintance who has seen him in person, Kang Woo-jin seems like a novice on the surface, but inside, he’s like a veteran who has honed his skills for decades. The acquaintance described it as a star’s aura.”]

Kang Woo-jin’s lips curled up slightly.

“Who is it? Who said such a commendable thing?”

The expert on TV, who had no way of knowing, continued.

-[“Of course, his behavior in the media is also not ordinary. At Cannes, where many Hollywood figures attended, he casually mentioned the ‘Academy Awards’ [The Oscars] in his acceptance speech, and it was the same at the press conference where he announced his male lead role in ‘Pierrot: The Birth of a Villain.’ And on ‘The Jamie Show,’ where he confirmed his ‘Beast’ role, he boldly declared to the world’s public who were criticizing him, ‘Criticize after you’ve seen the work.'”]

-[“Hmm, he has a feeling of being a fearless, reckless rascal.”]

-[“Yes. But he’s not frivolous. He has the skills, so he’s making it in Cannes and Hollywood, and his influence is currently being proven by ‘Beneficial Evil.’ He’s even turned people who criticized him into fans. There may be mixed opinions, but one thing is certain: he’s a type of actor that has never appeared in Hollywood before.”]

-[“Is that the driving force?”]

-[“Including that, his good looks, various languages, and various abilities also play a role. His musicality too. Perhaps this ‘Beast’ role will inevitably cause a lot of controversy, but conversely, Kang Woo-jin’s recognition will continue to skyrocket.”]

Kang Woo-jin, who had been listening to the explanation, gave a thumbs up to the TV.

“You, expert, are recognized.”

After that, the news talked about Kang Woo-jin for a few more minutes before changing the topic. Looking at the time, it had taken up about 10 minutes or more.

Around this time, a call came. It was Choi Sung-gun.

“Did you see the news?”

“Yes, CEO.”

“Okay. But it’s going to get even louder when Disney starts promoting properly. How do you feel, being the first Korean actor to be introduced exclusively on the news here?”

‘Should I do a butt dance?’ was what he was thinking, but Woo-jin’s answer was calm.

“It’s just okay.”

Choi Sung-gun laughed on the other end of the phone.

“Hehe, I knew it. Get ready. We have to go to ‘World Disney Pictures.'”

After that.

Kang Woo-jin, who had met with Choi Sung-gun and the team members, got into a large van. Even in the van, which quickly started driving, Woo-jin’s name was echoing in English. It was the car radio. Following the American morning news, the radio was also reporting on the ‘Beauty and the Beast’ news.

The team members immediately started making a fuss.

However, Kang Woo-jin’s poker face was strong. Still, he was genuinely amazed inside. It was like, how did my name end up spreading across this vast America? Woo-jin crossed his legs and picked up his phone. The first thing he accessed was YouTube. It was to check the situation of the ‘Kang Woo-jin Sub-Character’ channel, but there was no need to.

‘The reaction is crazy.’

Kang Woo-jin had already dominated the top 10 of real-time videos.

-Kang Woo-jin Confirmed as ‘Beast’! #KangWoo-jin #Hollywood #BeautyandtheBeast #Disney #JamieShow | Overseas Topic Issue TV

–<> | Movie Bell

It was because various YouTubers, from issue-focused YouTubers to all kinds of YouTubers, were mentioning ‘Beauty and the Beast’ or Kang Woo-jin. Well, it was the most popular issue right now, so it was a natural picture. This was not only the case for Korean YouTube but also for American YouTube. Woo-jin hadn’t checked directly, but it was obvious that YouTubes all over the world were buzzing with the same issue.

Kang Woo-jin touched a random video on the ‘Kang Woo-jin Sub-Character’ channel and then.

-Swish.

Turned it off immediately.

‘Ugh, this is seriously messed up.’

The comments were overflowing. It was dozens of times more chaotic than before. Social media was no quieter. As if mocking YouTube, it felt like every country in the world was flocking to Woo-jin’s social media. For some reason, Kang Woo-jin laughed at this.

‘Hollywood’s power is insane.’

The media and public opinion were more than a roar. Globally. Of course, that world included Korea, and it was more extreme than any other country.

『Kang Woo-jin, the First Korean Actor to Star in a Disney Film, Confirmed for the ‘Beast’ Role in ‘Beauty and the Beast’!』

『Kang Woo-jin Declares to the World on ‘The Jamie Show,’ Secures Lead Role in ‘Beauty and the Beast’ Over Fierce Hollywood Actors』

『[Star Talk] Kang Woo-jin, the First Korean Male Actor to Star in a Disney Film, the World is Calling Out His Name / Photo』

A day passed.

-Kang Woo-jin is really crazy lolololol He seems to be doing things casually, but he’s conquering the world lolololol

-National pride is amazing… wow…

-But seriously, isn’t Kang Woo-jin the first to make such a huge casting announcement?? I heard there isn’t even one in Hollywood?

-The real goosebumps is that ‘Beneficial Evil’ is also number one in the world at the same time

-Ah, but I don’t think Kang Woo-jin is good as the Beast

-↑This guy is 100% someone who hasn’t seen Kang Woo-jin’s work

-Kang Woo-jin is on a rampage with boosters since Cannes, his form is insane!!!!

-Kang Woo-jin always had controversy with any work lolololol It was the same with ‘Naughty Gisaeng’ lolololol But he always silences the controversy with his amazing acting lolololol

Even after two days, it didn’t calm down. Rather, the roar continued to intensify. If it was only noisy in Korea, there would have been a limit, but since the world, including the US, was buzzing, no one could stop this bizarre flow.

It was like a controversy spreading like wildfire.

-lolololol Overseas major YouTubers are also making a lot of noise with Kang Woo-jin as their topic lolololol

The world’s media was throwing firewood, and many others besides famous YouTubers, internet broadcasters, and influencers were fanning the flames. Finally, the countless masses overseas were pouring oil on it.

There was a clear distinction between likes and dislikes.

But the more it was like that.

-Chris Hartnett mentioned Kang Woo-jin on social media lolololol He said Kang Woo-jin’s acting was insane lolololol

Mysteriously, Kang Woo-jin’s global recognition skyrocketed exponentially.

『[Issue Check] ‘World Star’ Kang Woo-jin, Global Luxury Brands Rush In… Number One in the World for Ambassador Selection』

And.

『Is Kang Woo-jin’s ‘Beneficial Evil’ Going to the US Emmys… Foreign Media Says “Qualified for Nomination”』

The insane momentum of ‘Beneficial Evil’ was still going strong.

About a week later, on the 28th. LA.

While Kang Woo-jin’s global recognition was growing stronger day by day, the last day of February, the 28th, dawned. The time was around 10 AM. The location was ‘spt Studio,’ a massive set complex of over 50,000 pyeong [approximately 165,000 square meters] where the actual filming of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ would take place. In front of the stage where the audition for the ‘Beast’ role had taken place, among the many warehouse-type stages, it was bustling.

Various vans, trucks, and buses were parked, and over a hundred foreigners were running around.

Of course, they were the staff of ‘Beauty and the Beast.’

In front of that stage, a large white van had just arrived. And.

-Swish.

A foreign woman with striking brown eyes, with a large eye area on her face, got out of the car. Clear features, a sharp nose, thick eyebrows, hair that was brown at the crown but turned blonde towards the shoulders. Even though she was wearing a hoodie, her beauty was outstanding.

Her aura was unusual.

Of course, she was one of Hollywood’s top actresses.

Soon, foreign team members approached her.

“Maria, you need to go into the set, greet the team, and then put on the dress costume.”

Maria. Her full name was Maria Armas. She was from Spain, but she was currently working as a top actress in Hollywood. Maria, listening to the muscular man, let out a small sigh and spoke in English.

“It’s just an audition, a screen test, why do I have to wear a dress?”

“What can we do? You know how meticulous ‘World Disney Pictures’ is, right? And so is director Bill Lautner. They said all the male actors wore formal attire during the ‘Beast’ role audition, so let’s just put it on without complaining.”

“It’s a hassle.”

“Then are you just going to give up on the ‘Beauty Bella’ role?”

Maria immediately frowned.

“Are you crazy? For whose benefit? I can’t stand seeing Miley smile. The media is already comparing her and me. Ah, why am I starting first?”

“Sigh, I wonder why you and Miley Cara don’t get along.”

“We’re just incompatible, I felt it clearly when we worked together before.”

That’s right. Today was the official audition for the ‘Beauty Bella’ role in ‘Beauty and the Beast.’ In other words, Maria was one of the five candidate actresses. Soon, Maria, who had been running her hand through her brown and blonde hair, moved.

“But why is that actor participating in today’s audition?”

“That actor?”

“You know, the one from Korea.”

“Ah, Kang Woo-jin.”

The muscular man shrugged.

“Well, it’s not exact, but I think the production team wants to see the chemistry between the ‘Beast’ and ‘Beauty Bella.’ Since the ‘Beast’ is already confirmed as Kang Woo-jin.”

Maria, who had been listlessly biting her lip, grumbled.

“I don’t like him.”

“Maria, there are a lot of people.”

She suddenly stopped walking and looked at the huge warehouse-type stage in front of her and spoke again.

“He’s really not good, is he?”

This time it wasn’t English. It was Spanish.

“I saw Kang Woo-jin’s interviews from Cannes and ‘Pierrot: The Birth of a Villain.’ He ignored and ridiculed the ‘Academy Awards,’ and I haven’t even won an award there yet… and Kang Woo-jin doesn’t suit the ‘Beast.'”

The muscular man sighed.

“Maria, speak in English. I don’t understand what you’re saying.”

But Maria’s Spanish continued.

“He’s a little… lacking to be the ‘Beast.’ No, he doesn’t suit the ‘Prince’ more than the ‘Beast.’ The ‘Prince’ should be more handsome.”

It was then.

“That’s a shame.”

A low-toned, fluent Spanish voice cut in from behind. Thanks to that, everyone from Maria to her team members turned their heads. A black-haired man was walking behind them.

-Swish.

It was Kang Woo-jin.

With an indifferent face, he arrived close to Maria, and Maria’s big eyes widened even more when she saw Woo-jin. Regardless, Kang Woo-jin spoke to her calmly.

“You’re uglier than Miley Cara.”

It was also fluent Spanish, like a native speaker.